School, Team and Individual Victories in 2013!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

In the second year that we had seniors who went through the Physics First program as freshmen won, for the first time in school history, the

University of Alabama High School Physics Competition in 2013!

11:46 AM January 25, 2013 at the University of Alabama Ferguson Center

        at the 2013 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICS COMPETITION

         McGill-Toolen Catholic High School took part in the 37th annual University of Alabama High School Physics Competition at the Ferguson Center on Friday January 25th, 2013 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There were more than 70 teams and 300 of the best senior level physics students from schools in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia. The McGill-Toolen Teams won first and second over teams in all divisions. Two McGill-Toolen students were honored as top individual competitors and one scored the highest on the scholarship competition. McGill-Toolen was also awarded 1st Place among all Schools based on both individual test results and team performance. Five McGill-Toolen competitors had perfect team rounds (the highest ever for McGill-Toolen)

          The day of the competition began with a communion service at Holy Spirit Parish in Tuscaloosa. An hour later grueling individual physics tests were taken and then that was followed by a team cipher that lasted an hour and a half. A physics show and awards ceremony followed that afternoon.

          Kevin Kusch obtained the highest score among all students at the competition on the 75 minute scholarship exam. Kevin Kusch and Allen Davis were given "Top Individual Physics Award" medals (given only to the top 10 individual test scores). This is the second consecutive year that a McGill-Toolen student has earned this award and the first time two McGill-Toolen students have won in the same year! Kevin Kusch and Allen Davis are automatically qualify for full four year scholarships to the University of Alabama as a result of the performance.

         Teams are placed in divisions of small public schools, large public schools, private schools and science-math magnet schools. All divisions do the same problems at the same time and are rated based on correct answer and time of response.

         The McGill-Toolen A Team consisted of seniors Kevin Kusch, Allen Davis, Jantzen Lee and freshman Chris McDonald.  This team was awarded first place in the "Private School Division" and won 1st place among all schools in all divisions for the first time in school history.  The B-Team consisted of junior Collin Phillips, senior Silvio Piccini, Logan Robinson and Connor Kusch (both freshman).  The B_Team was awarded 2nd place in the "Private School Division" and won 2nd place among all schools in all divisions for the first time in school history.

         Perfect team competition rounds (correctly answering all 4 presented physics problems correctly in 40 seconds or less). Perfect team rounds were posted by Silvio Piccini, Jantzen Lee, Allen Davis, Logan Robinson and Kevin Kusch. Chris McDonald answered all team round questions correctly.

         The final and highest award is the "School Award" (based on a combination of team scores and average individual scores). McGill-Toolen Catholic High School was given the 1st place "School Award" for the first time in School history.  Hoover High School won second place and Ranburne High School won 3rd Place.

         Physics Team moderator Dr. Tim Burgess (McGill-Toolen Science Chair) noted "The leadership on the team this year was extraordinary. Kevin Kusch and Allen Davis pushed team mates to develop better problem solving skills. Collin Phillips and Jacob Jagiello (juniors) spent many hours developing the skills of the younger competitors. This amazing performance is an accomplishment rare for any school from any region. Such a sweep rarely occurs for only the very best teams on a good day with leadership that has prepared the team for success.

         The McGill-Toolen performance is the direct result of the extraordinary talent, capability and work ethic of our very special students. The emphasis of McGill-Toolen in recent years on the synergistic relationship between faith and science has laid the ground work for the accomplishments of our outstanding science students. Success also springs from the support of our community as displayed in the fabulous facilities and resources our students enjoy while doing scientific reasoning day in and day out in the class room. Success, as we had this year, is only possible with community support and we are very grateful!"

COMMENTARY AT SCHOOL WIDE ASSEMBLY

https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2015/07/commentary-on-2013-physics-team-victory_29.html

-----------

Al.com article at: 

http://blog.al.com/live/2013/02/mcgill-toolen_wins_state_physi.html

TV Segment Video at:

http://www.mcgill-toolen.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=43498

Slideshow at:

http://www.mcgill-toolen.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=41070

Team Scores of Winners at Competition:

Top Overall Scores

McGill-Toolen A Team:    1^st  Overall Teams                   73 points

McGill-Toolen B Team:    2nd Overall Teams                   68 points

Hoover High School:        3rd  Overall Teams                   65 points

Hoover A-Team 1^st among large Public Schools              65 pts

Ranburne A-Team: 1^st among Regular Public Schools      58 pts

Miss. Math and Science School: 1^st
among Science and Math                                                 53 pts

Magnet Schools

Additional Information (and photos) are available from the University of Alabama:

http://uanews.ua.edu/2013/02/high-school-student-winners-announced-in-ua-physics-contest-4/

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career. 

I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.

Some of the fun I have  had as a teacher is here!

https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html

“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.

It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!

https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html

===================================================

Please note that the views expressed here by me do not  represent the views of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, Archdiocese of Mobile or any  part of the Universal Catholic Church.

Top Individual Award 2012!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

STUDENTS SHINE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

 PHYSICS COMPETITION

University of Alabama,  TUSCALOOSA, AL— January 27, 2012

       McGill-Toolen Catholic High School took part in the 36th annual University of Alabama High School Physics Competition on Friday January 27, 2012 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There were sixty-nine teams and 284 of the best senior level physics students from schools in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia. A McGill-Toolen Catholic High School student was honored as a top individual competitor and four members had all perfect rounds in the team competition.

       Mathew Heubach was recognized with a"Top Individual Physics Award" medal (given only to the top 10 individual test scores). This is the first time a McGill-Toolen student has earned this award in the 36 year history of the competition and these students are then qualified for a full four year scholarship to the University of Alabama (he accepted this offer).  It happened to the first class to ever complete the new science sequence that now starts with Physics in the freshman year!  In addition McGIll-Toolen had numerous other first time accomplishments.

       In another first for McGill-Toolen Catholic High School four students had all perfect rounds by correctly answering all (4) presented physics problems correctly in 40 seconds or less. "All perfect" rounds were posted by Mathew Heubach, Kevin Kusch, Allen Davis and Collin Phillips.

       The A Team consisted of Matthew Heubach, Kevin Kusch, Allen Davis and Frank Foley. The B-Team consisted of Matthew Davis, Collin Phillips, Jacob Jagiello, and Brandon Pham. The A-Team scored the highest score in the history of McGill-Toolen Teams (65) and the B-Team finished with only 2 points less! McGill-Toolen teams finished 6th (A) and 7th (B) in the "Private School Division". The teams would have won first & second place in the "Large Public School Division" or the "Magnet School Division".

     Dr. Tim Burgess (McGill-Toolen Science Chair) noted "Matthew Heubach obtained a distinction few students from our region have accomplished in 36 years by winning top individual honors. McGill-Toolen A-Team displayed competitive spirit by remaining in first place for 13 of 16 rounds (more than any previous McGill-Toolen team). Our students then went on to finish as one of the three highest scoring Alabama schools. The McGill-Toolen performance is certainly the direct result of the extraordinary talent, capability and work ethic of our very special students. Success also springs from our community due to the facilities and resources our students enjoy when doing scientific reasoning day in and day out. Success like we had this year is only possible with such support and we are very grateful!"

Alabama Science and Engineering Award Winners 2011

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

University of Alabama in Huntsville
Alabama Science and Engineering Fair
April 2, 2011

       McGill-Toolen freshman Pasley Graham and Mark Gacek were awarded the United States Army Outstanding Project Award and Honorable Mention in Physics at the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair held at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
       Pasley Graham and Mark Gacek provided a project titled "Shoe Friction Lab", performed measurements, wrote up and presented research and created a display for the project.  Dr. Burges stated "Winning at the state senior level Science and Engineering Fair is life long achievement.   I congratulate them for a job well done!"

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career. 

I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.

Some of the fun I have  had as a teacher is here!

https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html

“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.

It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!

https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html

Advanced Placement in Science Advances! 1989-2005!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

  

Advanced Placement Science Advances!

August 9, 2005

UMS-Wright students engaged Advanced Placement Science Exams (distributed by the College Board) in Science for 2004-5 school year with numerous successes. During the last academic year UMS-Wright had the second highest number of passing scores (in the school history) on Science Advanced Placement Exams (22 passing scores). Students took and passed exams in every AP-Science discipline including Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics. Typically only the most academically dedicated students (mostly seniors) take and pass AP Science exams.

In the years from 1989-1996 Advanced placement science exams passed never exceeded 6 and only one "Highest Recommendation" was earned in that y year period.  During the years 1997-2005 the number of students passing Advanced Science classes has increased to about 20 a year and 21 of the scores had the "Highest Recommendation" earned in that 7 year period.  The improvement in performance was phenomenal.

In 2005 Bernard (Beko) Binder and Russ Terry made the highest possible scores in both the Chemistry and Biology Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. Bradley Elliot obtained the highest Possible score in the Chemistry AP exam and also passed the Biology Exam. Olivia Clare Barrett passed two AP Science Exams in the same year (Chemistry and Biology). Passing two AP Science exams in the same year is considered to be a significant challenge for even the best of students.

Beko Binder passed four different AP Science Exams while a student at UMS-Wright! Beko earned the highest possible scores in three of the four AP Science exams he took (Physics with Calculus in 2004, Chemistry and Biology in 2005). Beko also passed the AP Physics exam as a sophomore in 2003.

Students passing the Biology AP Exam in 2005 included Beko Binder, Russ Terry, Stuart White, Olivia Barrett, Bradley Eichold, Bradley Elliot, James Galle, Kate Luce and Whitney Vautier.

Students passing the 2005 Chemistry AP Exam included Beko Binder, Russ Terry, Bradley Elliot, Olivia Barrett, Richard Ellisor, Jordan Schnieder and Selwyn Turner.

Passing scores in the 2005 Environmental Science AP Exam were earned by Andrew Dunning, Allison Garstecki, Gertrude Inge and Andrew Mazey.

An entire AP Physics class passed for the fourth consecutive year (Physics with Calculus in 2002, 2003 & 2004 and general Physics in 2005). Students passing the general Physics AP exam included Joseph Bowron (a junior) and Mathew Peterson (a sophomore).

The AP Science exams are considered among the most rigorous offered by the College Board. It is a genuine sign of achievement when a school of any size obtains passing scores in every available AP Science subject. Dr. Burgess (UMS-Wright Science Chair) said "It is possible to have such achievements because of the ideals and support of the entire school community. It is amazing that each year students with character and talent always step up to the challenge of becoming part of a distinguished history of achievement at UMS-Wright."

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career. 

I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.

Some of the fun I have  had as a teacher is here!

https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html

“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.

It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!

https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html

Multiple Winners at Computational Expo 2005!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

PRESS RELEASE

April 23, 2005
Auburn University Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama

Multiple Winners at

Statewide 2005 Computational EXPO!

       The Alabama Computational EXPO 2005 was hosted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Auburn University Montgomery on April 22, 2005. UMS-Wright students won top recognition for performance on a research project, in written problem solving exams and in an essay contest. This was the 8th consecutive year that UMS-Wright placed winners in a high school division. Students in the "Computational Physics" class and/or "Computational Chemistry" class are required to write a program in computer code (BASIC. FORTRAN, C++, JAVA) to predict the results of some physical event and then compare this result with data from the actual event. The class is provided and extra 2 days of class each well.

       A research project titled “Physics by Hand: The Physics of Breaking Boards” by Evan Wilson, Andrew MacRae and Ken McElhaney won 2nd Place in the high school division for precalculus programming students. This research project investigated the forces and impulses applied to wooden boards shattered by martial arts experts. Special computer interfaced technology in the UMS-Wright Physics Research Lab were used in this research to measure and analyze forces applied over small fractions of a second.

       Evan Wilson won the “Deltacom Essay” award. Evan’s essay addressed a question concerning “the impact of using research on my learning in the classroom.” Evan discussed how his interest in a martial arts research project inspired him to learn more Physics. His written expression was identified as the best of the seventy papers submitted at the competition.

       All of the UMS-Wright competitors were identified among the top 15 scores among all students at this statewide competition in the written “Problem Solving Test.” The "Problem Solving Test” required competitors endure a grueling and difficult 90 minute test with a variety of presented word problems. The problems required students to make assumptions, extract relevant information on and apply quantitative reasoning to unfamiliar contexts.Bradley Johns, Evan Wilson, Andrew MacRae, Ken McElhaney and Matthew Peterson were recognized and provided with certificates documenting their outstanding performance.

       Matthew Peterson of UMS-Wright was recognized for obtaining the highest score on the written “Problem Solving Test” at the competition. Matthew was provided with an award, plaque and a $1,000 scholarship (to the University of Alabama at Huntsville). 

       Every UMS-Wright participant at the statewide Computational EXPO 2005 earned recognition in at least one competitive event.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mr. Ed Lathan, Principal
Ms. Jane Williams, Academic Dean
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
334-479-6551 Ext 152 Fax: 334-470-9050

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career. 

I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.

Some of the fun I have  had as a teacher is here!

https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html

“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.

It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!

https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html

Physics Team Comes Close in 2005!

  I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge 

and prodding with so many wonderful memories!

Courage to take 4th Place!

at University of Alabama High School Physics Contest

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 
Friday February 4, 2005

          The University of Alabama hosted the 29th annual High School Physics contest held at the Student Union Center on the main campus in Tuscaloosa.  The competition was attended by more than 287 students from Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia.  Individual testing provided winning competitors with the possibility of winning one of two four year scholarships at this competition.  The UMS-Wright Preparatory School Physics Team placed 4th among all private schools. In the private school category UMS-Wright (Mobile, Alabama) was 4th, Briarwood (Birmingham, Alabama) was 3rd,  Randolph School (Huntsville, Alabama) was 2nd  and Darlington Academy (Rome, Georgia) wast 1st.   There were fourteen schools in the private school division.
          The UMS-Wright Physics Team consisted of Bradley Johns, Matthew Peterson, Andrew MacRae and Beko Binder.  Joseph Bowman supported the team as an alternate.  In the “Private Schools Division” the UMS-Wright Team scored 45 points.  UMS-Wright was only two questions (out of 20 presented) from the first place team Darlington with 54. Randolph scored 51 points and Briarwood scored 48 points.
The team portion of the competition consists of problems solved  by each of the 4 team members individually.  Physics problems are presented to one representative of each team at the same time.  Those who generate accurate and correct solutions faster to each of the questions earn more points for the team.  The sum of all points by all four team members is the team score. 
          Only the very best Physics students from schools with the strongest programs typically attend this competition. Individual testing is used to determine scholarship offerings.  All five of the UMS-Wright competitors were in the top 50% of the of individual test takers.  Beko Binder was identified as one of the top ten competitors among the 287 competitors that vied for the scholarships. 
          Dr. Tim Burgess, observed  “This was a young team (three sophomores) that stepped up to compete with some of the finest senior level students in the southeast United States.  The fact that this team stayed in the running until the final question of the meet indicates the high degree of skill that our team displayed.  This may end a streak of five consecutive first place finishes but does not end the respect and recognition that our competitors have for the Physics Team at UMS-Wright.”

          In 1999 the UMS-Wright Physics Team edged into a 3rd place finish for the first time in the history of the competition.  In that year a UMS-Wright team member overheard a competition director asking a referee “Where is this school called UMS-Wright?”  In the next 5 years the University of Alabama Physics Department chair (or representative) called to offer 12 full four year scholarships to UMS-Wright Physics Team members and handed UMS-Wright five first place team trophies.   In two of those years UMS-Wright earned more points than all schools in all divisions (including magnet science schools from three states)!  One student who elected to attend the University of Alabama using the Physics Scholarship (won at this competition) is now in a Physics Ph.D. program at the University of California.  The directors of the University of Alabama Physics competition are now much more aware of where UMS-Wright is located than they were in 1999.
          Academic competition is extremely rigorous.  Schools without strong enough programs avoid such events.  Only the best schools with the strongest programs will even attend competitions such as the High School Physics Contest because of the possibility of winning.   The accomplishment of having five consecutive first place teams from the same school (like UMS-Wright) will likely remain unchallenged by any school for many years to come.   
The aim of UMS-Wright is to remain competitive (as we were this year) and to live our prayer:

“...those who follow after  Will find in us and example of truth and courage”

1st Place at Computational Expo in 2004!

I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding

with so many wonderful memories!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 8, 2004
Montgomery, Alabama

Bulldogs Victors at
Statewide Computational EXPO!

         The Alabama Computational EXPO 2004 was jointly hosted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Jeff Davis High School at Jeff Davis High School on May 8, 2004.  Bulldogs won top recognition for performance on research projects, written exams, essays and in web page design.  This was the seventh consecutive year that UMS-Wright placed a first place winner in one of the three high school divisions! Students from UMS-Wright won certificates, plaques, cash awards & scholarships.
          The 1st Place research project and “Teachers Choice” award were won by Walker Plash, Jim Bailey and Howard Walker in a research project titled “The Medieval Siege Engine: The Catapult” (an computer based energy analysis of catapult performance).  The 3rd Place research project was by William Hatten and Dane Grovenstein with a project titled “Racket Slammer” (a computer based momentum analysis of tennis racket performance).  
         UMS-Wright students Walker Plash, Jim Bailey and Howard Walker  won 1st Place in “Student Website”.  Jim Bailey won 1st in the “Deltacom Essay” award.     
         In the written "Computational Exam" Walker Plash won 1st among all at the competition!  Four UMS-Wright students were among the top 15 students taking the exam and included Jim Bailey, William Hatten and Howard Walker.  UMS-Wright was also recognized for having the highest average score on the written exam among all participating high schools.  Walker Plash was awarded a scholarship for his performance on the exam.
       The students who took part in this competition are part of "computational Physics Class" that requires research and programming skills be developed to geneerate projects for this competition.  Dr. Burgess escorted the students to the "Alabama SuperComputer Program for Research In Education"  and stated  "These students are special.  Competence in coding, researching, writing and communicating must be performed at the highest levels to win at this competition.  That is precisely what they did.   These fine individuals need to be congratulated and honored!"

==============

Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career. 

I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.

Some of the fun I have  had as a teacher is here!

https://drbreminices.blogspot.com/2019/09/awesome-times-documented.html

“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.

It was cool to be able to oversee such a change prior to retirement!

https://physicsfirstworks.blogspot.com/2017/03/physics-first-starter.html